Happy New Year 2025

Tag: LGBTQ

Valentine’s Day 2025: From ‘Fire’ to ‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’, Must-Watch Hindi LGBTQ+ Movies Celebrating Pride!

This Valentine’s Day 2025, immerse yourself in the nuanced world of Hindi queer narratives that intricately weave together love and identity. Films like Fire challenge heteronormative constructs, while Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan blends comedy and emotion to break societal barriers. These stories exemplify the complexities of forbidden desires, capturing the intense emotional journey of same-sex love. They offer rich, multifaceted portrayals of self-discovery and rebellion, illuminating queerness with exceptional poignancy. Here are our top five picks to watch on this special day. Valentine’s Day 2025: From ‘Sreeragamo’ to ‘Nenjukkul Peidhidum’, Timeless South Indian Melodies To Celebrate Romance!

‘Fire’ (1996)

Fire, directed by Deepa Mehta, is a groundbreaking romantic drama that explores the lives of Radha (Shabana Azmi) and Sita (Nandita Das), two women trapped in unsatisfying marriages. As their emotional connection deepens, they embark on a transformative journey of love. The film boldly challenges societal norms, culminating in an empowering, hopeful conclusion where they choose to live together. Galentine’s Day 2025: Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor’s Cute Dresses That You Can Wear for the Celebration.

‘My Brother… Nikhil’ (2005)

Directed by Onir, a trailblazing openly gay filmmaker, My Brother… Nikhil challenges societal taboos by portraying a gay man, Nikhil Kapoor, who is also battling AIDS. Unlike typical portrayals, Nikhil isn’t reduced to a victim or source of pity. Onir sensitively addresses AIDS, using it to deepen familial bonds and confront societal stigma with dignity and empathy.

‘Kapoor & Sons’ (2016)

Kapoor & Sons weaves a complex family tapestry starring Sidharth Malhotra, Fawad Khan and Alia Bhatt. Beneath the surface of familial discord lies Rahul’s (Khan) secret: he is a closeted gay man. The film sensitively portrays his struggle, culminating in his mother’s eventual, hard-won acceptance. This poignant narrative thread offers a powerful and realistic depiction of the coming-out process within a traditional Indian context. Valentine’s Day 2025: From Choi Woo-Shik’s ‘Our Beloved Summer’ to Gong Yoo’s ‘Goblin’, 5 Romantic Korean Dramas You Can’t Miss This February 14.

‘Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga’ (2019)

Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga is a significant film for its mainstream portrayal of a lesbian romance. The narrative centres on Sweety (Sonam Kapoor), a spirited Punjabi woman who rejects a parade of eligible bachelors, concealing her true affections. Crucially, the film avoids the pitfalls of fetishisation, offering a more authentic and respectful representation of a sapphic relationship, a rarity within mainstream Indian cinema.

‘Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan’ (2020)

Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan is a must-watch same-sex romantic flick starring Jitendra Kumar and Ayushmann Khurrana. The film follows Aman and Kartik as they navigate societal prejudices, particularly Aman’s traditional family. Raw yet heartfelt, the movie’s modest box-office success signalled a growing appetite for mainstream LGBTQ+ narratives.

These films, essential viewing for all, offer a powerful lens through which to examine societal prejudices and celebrate the universality of love in its diverse forms.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 13, 2025 08:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 13, 2025
National Freedom to Marry Day 2025 Date & Significance: Everything You Need to Know About Celebrating Love and Equality for LGBTQ+ Rights

National Freedom to Marry Day is a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for marriage equality. Since its inception in 1999, this unofficial holiday has championed the rights of same-sex couples and pushed for the recognition of marriage as a fundamental human right, irrespective of sexual orientation. As we approach National Freedom to Marry Day 2025, it’s important to reflect on the progress made, the challenges still faced, and the work that remains in normalising same-sex marriage worldwide. LGBT+ History Month 2025 Theme, History and Significance: Know All About the Annual Observance That Celebrates the LGBTQ Community.

National Freedom to Marry Day 2025 Date

National Freedom to Marry Day 2025 falls on Wednesday, February 12.

National Freedom to Marry Day Significance

National Freedom to Marry Day was spearheaded by marriage equality advocates. At the time, the issue of same-sex marriage was far from a mainstream conversation, and legal recognition of same-sex unions was virtually non-existent in most parts of the world. The movement, led by organisations like Freedom to Marry and other LGBTQ+ rights groups, sought to educate the public and lawmakers about the importance of marriage equality and to push for changes in marriage laws. The day holds immense significance for the LGBTQ+ community, as it brings awareness to the struggle for equal marriage rights and symbolises the continued fight for social acceptance, dignity, and fairness.

What is National Freedom to Marry Day?

National Freedom to Marry Day is a day of activism and awareness that celebrates the progress made toward equal marriage rights for the LGBTQ+ community while also calling attention to the ongoing need for full marriage equality. This observance began as part of the broader movement for same-sex marriage rights and has become a focal point for advocating for the legal recognition of marriages between same-sex couples. The day encourages people to reflect on the importance of love, equality, and the fundamental right to marry the person one loves, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

Why is National Freedom to Marry Day Important?

The importance of National Freedom to Marry Day cannot be overstated. While more and more countries have legalised same-sex marriage, there are still many places where LGBTQ+ couples face legal and social challenges. The day emphasises that marriage equality should not be viewed as a privilege but as a fundamental right. It’s an opportunity for activists, allies, and the LGBTQ+ community to raise their voices and continue the push toward ensuring that all couples have the right to marry and enjoy the legal and social benefits that come with marriage. LGBT History Month 2025 in UK: How Is It Different Than Pride Month in June? Here’s What You Should Know About the Observance Dedicated to the LGBTQ+ Community.

National Freedom to Marry Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action. The day encourages everyone, from activists to allies, to come together and advocate for full marriage equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. As February 12, 2025, draws near, let us honor the progress made, recognise the challenges still faced, and continue to push for a world where love, in all its forms, is celebrated and embraced without barriers or restrictions.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2025 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 12, 2025
LGBTQ+ advocates, families sue Trump admin for ending funding of transgender healthcare under 19

A group of seven families, as well as LGBTQ+ advocates and medical organizations, have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration over an executive order to ban federal funding for transgender healthcare for individuals under the age of 19.

The lawsuit was filed in Baltimore federal court and seeks an immediate injunction to delay the implementation of Trump’s executive order from last week.

“Over the past week, hospitals across the country have abruptly halted medical care for transgender people under nineteen, canceling appointments and turning away some patients who have waited years to receive medically necessary care for gender dysphoria,” the lawsuit reads.

“This sudden shutdown in care was the direct and immediate result of an Executive Order that President Trump issued on January 28, 2025 — Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation — directing all federal agencies to ‘immediately take appropriate steps to ensure that institutions receiving Federal research or education grants end gender-affirming medical care for people under nineteen (the “Denial of Care Order”).”

TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDERS BANNING ‘RADICAL GENDER IDEOLOGY,’ DEI INITIATIVES IN THE MILITARY

A transgender rights supporter takes part in a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The denial of care order follows on the heels of another executive order Trump signed on Jan. 20, 2025, to defend women from gender ideology extremism and restore biological truth to the federal government.

The group of plaintiffs claims executive orders are unlawful and unconstitutional, saying the Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse.

“The president does not have unilateral power to withhold federal funds that have been previously authorized by Congress and signed into law, and the President does not have the power to impose his own conditions on the use of funds when Congress has not delegated to him the power to do so,” the lawsuit reads. “President Trump’s directives to cut off funding have had concrete and immediate effects. Hospitals across the country, including those that have provided medical care to the Transgender Plaintiffs, have ended the provision of ongoing and essential gender-affirming medical care to transgender patients under nineteen because of the Executive Orders.”

DEFENSE SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH SAYS ‘NO MORE DEI AT DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE’: ‘NO EXCEPTIONS’

The lawsuit is the latest to come out of Trump’s recently signed executive orders relating to gender.

The executive orders, signed in late January, include a reinstatement of the ban on transgender troops in the military, a ban on federal funding for sex changes for minors and a directive requiring federal agencies to recognize only “two sexes,” male and female, in official standard of conduct.

“This ban betrays fundamental American values of equal opportunity and judging people on their merit,” Jennifer Levi, director of Transgender and Queer Rights at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), said in a statement about the trans military ban.

CRACKING DOWN ON TRANS TROOPS: TRUMP ORDER NIXES PREFERRED PRONOUNS, RESTRICTS FACILITY USE

A transgender pride flag. (Allison Dinner/AFP via Getty Images)

GLAD Law and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) were among the first groups to file a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for its military ban. The lawsuit, Talbott v. Trump, was brought forward on equal protection grounds by six active-duty service members and two individuals attempting to enlist, according to the groups’ announcement.

The plaintiffs include a Sailor of the Year honoree, a Bronze Star recipient and several who were awarded meritorious service medals. They were identified as U.S. Army Reservist Lt. Nicolas Talbott, Army Maj. Erica Vandal, Army Sgt. 1st Class Kate Cole, Army Capt. Gordon Herrero, Navy Ensign Dany Danridge, Air Force Master Sgt. Jamie Hash, and Koda Nature and Cael Neary. The latter two are civilians who are seeking to enlist in the military.

Another lawsuit, filed by a transgender inmate receiving taxpayer-funded medical treatment, is challenging Trump’s executive order that ends medical transgender treatments — such as hormones, sex changes and grooming accommodations — for federal prisoners.

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The unnamed inmate, who goes by “Maria Moe” in court documents and is represented by GLAD Law, NCLR and Lowenstein Sandler LLP, is claiming Trump and the Bureau of Prisons are violating the Fifth and Eighth amendments and claims to be “at imminent risk of losing access to the medical care she needs to treat her gender dysphoria.”

Fox News Digital’s Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.

Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner.

February 4, 2025
LGBT History Month 2025 in UK: How Is It Different Than Pride Month in June? Here’s What You Should Know About the Observance Dedicated to the LGBTQ+ Community

LGBT History Month 2025 will be commemorated in various parts of the world across February. This annual commemoration is focused on helping raise awareness about the challenges that people in the LGBT community continue to face across the world, the atrocities they are subjected to and how they overcome them. The celebration of LGBT History Month is often confused with Pride Month, which is celebrated in June of every year. However, they are two very different observances that have their own relevance, history and importance. As we prepare to celebrate LGBT History Month 2025, here is what you need to know about the difference between LGBT History Month and Pride Month and how the celebrations also vary. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year.

LGBT History Month vs Pride Month

Every year, the observance of LGBT History Month is marked in the month of February in UK and Hungary, May in Cuba and Germany and October in US, Canada and Australia. The observance is focused on having important conversations about the history of the treatment of people from the LGBT+ community and the challenges they continue to face. On the other hand, Pride Month is marked across the world in the month of June. This observance has been focused on remembering the Stonewall riots that have a significant place in the history of the fight of the LGBT Community for their rights. What Does It Mean To Be a Responsible LGBTQ+ Ally?

Celebration of LGBT History Month vs Pride Month

While the celebration of LGBT History Month is specific to Australia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States; the celebration of Pride Month has spread across the world with people coming together to organise Pride parades and urging the governments to legalise gay marriages, end the discrimination against LGBT community in their country.

It is important to remember that the celebration of both LGBT History Month and Pride Month is an important time to reflect on the realities of the struggle of the people in the community and understand what we can do to be better allies and create an environment that is safe for them to just be themselves.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2025 10:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 1, 2025
LGBT History Month 2025 Quotes: Share Thoughtful Messages, HD Images, Sayings and Wallpapers To Celebrate the Month-Long Observance Dedicated To LGBTQ+ Community

LGBTQ+ History Month is observed every year in various countries, especially in the UK, in the month of February. LGBTQ+ History Month 2025 will be observed from February 1 to February 28. The observance honours the struggles, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. It serves as a powerful reminder of the long fight for equality and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in many countries around the world. Many activists like Marsha P Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and more have played crucial roles in how LGBTQ+ rights have shaped up. This month provides a great opportunity to reflect on the past injustices, educate people, and understand the importance of diversity, inclusivity, and being accepting as a society. To observe the month, share LGBTQ+ History Month 2025 quotes. LGBT+ History Month Theme and Significance: Know All About Annual Month-Long Observance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History.

The month-long observance is not only about celebrating; it also highlights awareness of the challenges faced by people from the community, including not being able to marry, discrimination, healthcare issues, and legal inequalities. Many institutions and organisations use this month to talk about stories that are untold, give people of the community a platform to voice their opinions, and promote equality and their rights. By learning about LGBTQ+ history, people will be able to understand their struggles better and help create a more inclusive world. The month is not just about remembering and honouring the past; it is also a time to show solidarity and continue to advocate for their causes. To raise awareness and join the month-long observance, share LGBTQ+ History Month 2025 messages, images, wallpapers, and sayings. LGBT History Month: Date, History, Theme And Significance of the Pride Month.

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

LGBTQ+ History Month Messages

LGBT History Month: Date, History, Theme And Significance of the Pride Month.

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

LGBTQ+ History Month Messages

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

LGBTQ+ History Month Images

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

LGBTQ+ History Month Wallpapers

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

LGBTQ+ History Month Sayings

LGBTQ+ History Month Quotes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

This LGBTQ+ History Month 2025, let’s ensure we do our bit in being more inclusive and accepting of people from the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s also raise our voice and advocate for their rights and equality.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 01, 2025 06:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

February 1, 2025
LGBT+ History Month 2025 Theme, History and Significance: Know All About the Annual Observance That Celebrates the LGBTQ Community

LGBT+ History Month is an annual observance dedicated to celebrating the history, contributions, and struggles of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer (LGBT+) communities around the world. The annual event serves as an opportunity to recognise the achievements of LGBT+ individuals in various fields, raise awareness of injustices, and encourage greater acceptance and equality. The month is observed in different countries at different times. In the United Kingdom, LGBT+ History Month is observed during February, which also coincides with a major celebration of the 2003 abolition of Section 28. What Does It Mean To Be a Responsible LGBTQ+ Ally?

In the United States, Canada, Armenia, Romania, the Netherlands, Southeast Asia, and Australia, it is celebrated in October to coincide with National Coming Out Day on October 10 and to commemorate the first and second marches on Washington in 1979 and 1987 for LGBT rights. In Berlin, the capital of Germany, it is known as Queer History Month and is celebrated in May.

LGBT+ History Month

LGBT History Month in the United Kingdom is celebrated in the month of February.

LGBT+ History Month 2025 Theme

LGBT History Month 2025 theme is “Activism and Social Change.”

LGBT+ History Month History

LGBT History Month was founded by Missouri high-school history teacher Rodney Wilson in 1994 to educate people about LGBT+ history and foster inclusivity. The month provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. As of 2022, LGBT History Month is a month-long celebration that is specific to Australia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. Pride Month 2024 Theme, History and Significance: All You Need To Know About the Month That Celebrates the LGBTQ Community.

In the UK, the LGBT+ History Month was initiated by Sue Sanders and Paul Patrick, then co-chairs of Schools OUT UK, and first took place in February 2005. After Patrick’s death in 2008, Tony Fenwick became co-chair alongside Sanders, then later CEO. In 2016 he was awarded an MBE on behalf of the charity. LGBT+ History Month is an annual event in the United Kingdom taking place every February and is intended as a means to raise awareness of, and combat prejudice against the LGBT community while celebrating its achievement and diversity and making it more visible.

LGBT+ History Month Significance

LGBT History Month serves as an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of LGBT+ culture, rights, and activism. The month plays a crucial role in promoting diversity and educating people about the ongoing struggles faced by the LGBT+ community. Over time, it has grown into a global movement, with organisations, schools, and communities hosting events, lectures, and exhibitions that highlight the impact of LGBT+ figures and movements.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 31, 2025 01:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

January 31, 2025
Non-profits, health and LGBTQ advocacy groups sue Trump admin over federal aid freeze

A handful of non-profit organizations and health associations, including an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, filed a lawsuit Tuesday over the Trump administration’s directive to freeze federal aid.

The lawsuit, filed Tuesday afternoon in Washington, D.C., federal court, was launched by the National Council of Nonprofits, the American Public Health Association, the Main Street Alliance, and SAGE against the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and acting director of OMB, Matthew Vaeth.

The parties are asking the court to impose a temporary restraining order “to maintain the status quo until the Court has an opportunity to more fully consider the illegality of OMB’s actions.”

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS PLACES 60 DEI EMPLOYEES ON LEAVE WITH SALARIES TOTALING MORE THAN $8M

The suit was filed after the Trump administration went on a memo blitz Monday, sending at least three letters to federal agency leaders on directives covering topics including return to office instructions and pausing federal grants. Fox News Digital obtained copies of the memos.

One specific memo issued by OMB pauses all federal grants and loans in an effort to end “‘wokeness’ and the weaponization of government,” and to promote “efficiency in government.”

Trump signed two executive orders Monday taking aim at Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

“Federal agencies must temporarily pause all activities related to obligation or disbursement of all Federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, nongovernmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology, and the green new deal,” the memo reads.

TRUMP’S FEDERAL DEI PURGE PUTS HUNDREDS ON LEAVE, NIXES $420M IN CONTRACTS

The pause takes effect at 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday.

The lawsuit argues that the parties will suffer harm as a result of the federal aid freeze given their reliance on federal funding.

A handful of non-profit organizations and health associations, including an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, filed a lawsuit Tuesday over the Trump administration’s directive to freeze federal aid. (Joan Slatkin/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

SAGE’s CEO, Michael Adams — whose organization describes itself as “dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults,” per the court filing — told Fox News Digital in a statement that the freeze “would devastate the lives of older Americans — including LGBTQ+ elders who already face unique challenges.”

TRUMP DEI CRACKDOWNS LAUDED FOR BRINGING MERIT BACK TO MEDICINE: ‘MAKE HEALTHCARE GREAT AGAIN’

“This reckless decision puts entire communities at risk. We must work together now to protect our older neighbors, friends, and loved ones before it’s too late,” Adams said.

Small Business Majority Founder & CEO John Arensmeyer said the federal grant freeze “will have a devastating impact on small businesses nationwide” and called the move a “Draconian shuttering of the federal purse.”

A handful of non-profit organizations and health associations, including an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, filed a lawsuit Tuesday over the Trump administration’s directive to freeze federal aid. (AP/Mark Schiefelbein)

Diane Yentel, President & CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits called the directive a “reckless action” by the Trump administration that would prove to be “catastrophic for nonprofit organizations and the people and communities they serve.”

“From pausing research on cures for childhood cancer to halting housing and food assistance, shuttering domestic violence and homeless shelters, and closing suicide hotlines, the impact of even a short pause in funding could be devastating and cost lives,” Yentel said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “This order must be halted immediately before such avoidable harm is done.”

TRUMP TARGETS CULTURE WAR LIGHTNING RODS IN EARLY SLATE OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.

The memo explained that out of the $10 trillion spent by the federal government in fiscal year 2024, $3 trillion of that total was allocated to “federal financial assistance, such as grants and loans.”

Vaeth sent the memo to all heads of executive departments and agencies.

Trump also signed two executive orders Monday taking aim at Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the federal government.

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The orders, titled “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness” and “Restoring America’s Fighting Force,” should be in the process of being implemented by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the secretary of Homeland Security within 30 days.

Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton and Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.

Haley Chi-Sing is a Writer for Fox News Digital. You can reach her at @haleychising on X.

January 28, 2025